As we forge ahead with our continuous scrutiny of the top 25 players in the NBA, our attention shifts to the enigmatic Kawhi Leonard. This versatile player is renowned for his ability on both ends of the court, boasting a resume that could easily secure him a spot in the Hall of Fame. However, despite his undeniable prowess, Leonard’s past injuries complicate the task of evaluating his current standing among the elite. Let’s delve into Kawhi’s skill set and where he ranks within the top 25 players in the league.
An Aging Two-Way Star
For years, Leonard was a consensus top 10 player, with a stretch of dominance that saw him ranked within the top five. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard has made a lasting impact as one of the most gifted wing defenders in NBA history. Moreover, his efficiency as an isolation scorer, capable of dropping 25-plus points on any given night, has solidified his reputation as a top-tier talent. Yet, as age and injuries take their toll, it’s evident that Kawhi has started to regress. Despite this, he still possesses the tools to perform at a top-10 level, even if it may be limited to a single game or stretch within a regular season.
Kawhi’s recent season was a display of productivity, as he averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting at an impressive 52.5/41.7/88.5 clip. The acquisition of James Harden by the Clippers was expected to complement Kawhi and Paul George, leading to a successful regular season campaign that culminated in a fourth-seed finish in the West. Notably, Leonard secured All-NBA second-team honors, highlighting his elite scoring ability and efficiency in isolation situations. Despite his resurgence, a cloud of uncertainty hung over Kawhi as injuries once again marred his postseason performance.
Season Recap
A knee injury sidelined Leonard for all but two games of the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Mavericks, and subsequently cost him a chance to compete in the 2024 Olympics. In the limited playoff appearances he made, Kawhi struggled to find his rhythm, averaging a mere 12 points per game. This stark contrast to his stellar performance in the 2023 playoffs, where he averaged 34.5 points on exceptional shooting percentages, underscores the impact injuries have had on his tenure with the Clippers. As the upcoming season approaches, it becomes imperative for Kawhi to remain healthy and showcase his enduring status as an elite player.
The Clippers faced a significant setback in the offseason with the departure of Paul George, who inked a deal with the 76ers. Derrick Jones Jr. was brought in as a replacement, but the absence of George means that the team will heavily rely on Kawhi. Last season, both Kawhi and George boasted near-identical usage rates, but with George out of the picture, Leonard’s usage is expected to rise significantly. The question looms whether Kawhi can shoulder this increased offensive burden, given his injury history. Should he falter, the Clippers may have to pivot towards Harden for shot creation. This forthcoming season will be a litmus test for Leonard, determining if he can lead a depleted Clippers squad to the playoffs under the weight of enhanced responsibilities.
